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Microsoft's stripped-down Windows 7, WinTPC, stripped of value
Microsoft's Windows Thin PC will give customers a stripped-down version of Windows 7 to run on legacy hardware—as long as they have Software Assurance. But is it worth it? Column
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IBM passes over Citrix and VMware, partners with Virtual Bridges
IBM gave Virtual Bridges serious clout by making VERDE 5 its VDI offering. But it may not matter, since IT pros think Citrix and VMware for virtual desktops, not IBM. Column
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Microsoft's RDS and RemoteFX disappoint VMware user
Microsoft's Remote Desktop Service and RemoteFX protocol are intended for specific desktop virtualization use cases, but are they enough for your organization? Column
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Citrix gives Mac client some love
Citrix is giving Mac users some attention with the Citrix Receiver for Mac clients, which Apple accepted into the Mac App Store. Column
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The Layer 4 protocols behind PCoIP and HDX: Which is better for VDI?
VMware uses UDP for its remote desktop protocol, PC-over-IP, and Citrix uses TCP for HDX. Consider the pros and cons of these technologies for your VDI environment. Column
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A no-budget desktop virtualization plan for 2011
Brian Madden lays out three surefire strategies for virtualizing your desktops in 2011 without virtualizing Windows 7 or budgeting for a VDI project. Column
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Remote desktop access vs. mobile access: What's the difference?
While remote access is always remote, it's not always mobile. There's a difference between the two, each with its own use case. Column
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Why ubiquitous bandwidth won't matter for desktop virtualization
Technologies for delivering desktops to users shouldn't change how they work, but relying on ubiquitous bandwidth rather than allowing local VDI would do just that. COLUMN
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The VDI Skeptics: VDI isn’t bad -- it’s just heavyweight
The VDI Skeptics say virtual desktop infrastructure isn’t a bad idea, but today’s application delivery model is heavyweight. Consider lightweight options first. Column
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When to use local VDI vs. offline VDI
Local and offline VMs aren't the same thing. Using the right client-based desktop virtualization technology can save money and reduce management complexity. Column
- See More: Essential Knowledge on Virtual desktop infrastructure and architecture
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Diebold turns ATMs into VDI clients
ATMs hold data and software that can be compromised by sophisticated criminals. Diebold will blunt threats by transforming ATMs into VDI-based zero clients. News | 03 Jan 2012
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Virtual desktops in 2012: It's all about the apps
In 2012, VDI will be just one way to deliver desktops. IT pros will use various forms of desktop virtualization to deliver enterprise apps to mobile end users. News | 22 Dec 2011
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Cloud-based apps, DaaS eat into VDI usage
Cloud-based virtual desktops are not new, but they stand in the shadow of server-hosted VDI. With enterprise IT's growing comfort with cloud, DaaS could gain traction. News | 06 Dec 2011
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Virtual desktop adoption in 2012 to continue slow pickup
Virtual desktop adoption remains slow and low and some IT managers in Windows shops say they aren't interested in the technology at all. Web-based applications are partly to blame. News | 29 Nov 2011
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Citrix aims for VDI cost cuts with App-DNA, HDX on a chip
To broaden VDI adoption, Citrix must reduce the cost of VDI. With its App-DNA acquisition and other advances, it's closer to achieving this goal. News | 26 Oct 2011
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Small IT shops get VDI-in-a-box with refreshed Citrix Kaviza
Citrix XenDesktop costs too much for the average SMB, but the company's newly branded and refreshed Kaviza's VDI-in-a-box offers these shops a good option. News | 24 Oct 2011
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VMware to support hardware accelerated graphics in View 5
IT pros that deliver VMware View virtual desktops can expand their VDI environment to power users once View supports NVIDIA 3D graphics. News | 19 Oct 2011
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With virtual desktops, one size does not fit all
VDI isn't the dominant way to deliver Windows 7 desktops -- not by a long shot. These IT pros mix it up with traditional PCs, VDI, app virtualization and other remote desktop technologies. News | 04 Oct 2011
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Windows 8 enhances, challenges virtual desktop infrastructures
Windows 8 is an evolution of Windows 7 with a touch-enabled UI and "Metro" style applications. Could delivering this richer OS be a problem for IT pros using server-hosted VDI? News | 22 Sep 2011
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Intel says client virtualization isn't better than VDI, just smarter
Makers of client virtualization products love that Intel supports their model over server-based VDI, but the chipmaker really doesn't care. News | 17 Aug 2011
- See More: News on Virtual desktop infrastructure and architecture
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Breaking down the VDI disaster recovery process: VHD backup and more
The more virtual desktops you have, the more complicated the VDI disaster recovery process gets. Make sure you back up virtual hard drives often to ease DR for VDI. Tip
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Top 5 remote desktop connectivity problems and how to prevent them
The remote desktop connection to its host server or broker isn't always a sure thing. If connectivity fails, check the network, firewalls, security certificates and more. Tip
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What Windows 8 on ARM means for tablets and desktops
Details have emerged about Windows 8 running on ARM-based tablets and PCs, but will Microsoft's Windows 8 tablet strategy succeed? Column
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Defining VDI users: Who should really be using virtual desktops?
To figure out whether your company really needs VDI, break down who your potential VDI users are and what exactly they need. Tip
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How virtual desktops enhance a virtualization disaster recovery strategy
When disaster strikes a virtual infrastructure, it's a mad dash to get apps back on track. But with virtual desktops in your DR strategy, you won't be out of breath. Tip
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VMware vSphere Storage Appliance could lower the cost of small VDI
Using the vSphere Storage Appliance with VMware View could help small VDI implementations save money up front and make it easier to grow. Tip
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Weighing cloud-hosted virtual desktops vs. VDI
IT pros don't trust public cloud services, but the benefits of outsourcing virtualized desktops to a cloud provider may outweigh the risks. Tip
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Application whitelisting for virtual desktops
Citrix and other virtual desktop vendors now support User Installed Applications. IT can prevent UIA from running amuck using these strategies and application whitelisting tools. Tip
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The truth about Citrix HDX and WAN acceleration in XenDesktop 5.5
Citrix built WAN acceleration into HDX to improve performance and lower the cost of XenDesktop 5.5. But does this mean VDI shops can eliminate third-party WAN accelerators? Tip
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Web apps are browser-based, not browser independent
Web apps aren't a free pass on IT management. Issues such as plug-ins, security settings and browser version requirements mean that managing Web apps can be a lot of work. Tip
- See More: Tips on Virtual desktop infrastructure and architecture
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remote desktop connection broker
A remote desktop connection broker allows clients to access various types of server-hosted desktops and applications. Definition
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Citrix XenClient
Citrix XenClient is a Type 1 (or bare metal) client hypervisor from software provider Citrix Systems. Definition
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Citrix XenApp
Citrix XenApp is a product that extends Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host desktop sessions and applications to users via the Citrix HDX protocol. Definition
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Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is an umbrella term for several specific features of Microsoft Windows Server that allow users to remotely access graphical desktops and Windows applications. Definition
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host-based virtual machine
A host-based virtual machine is an instance of a desktop operating system that runs on a centralized server. Access and control is provided to the user by a client device connected over a network. Definition
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guest virtual machine (guest VM)
A guest virtual machine (guest VM) is the software component of a virtual machine (VM), an independent instance of an operating system (called a guest operating system) and its associated software and information. Definition
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host virtual machine (host VM)
A host virtual machine is the server component of a virtual machine (VM), the underlying hardware that provides computing resources to support a particular guest virtual machine (guest VM). Definition
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client hypervisor
A client hypervisor is a hypervisor that resides on a laptop, PC or other client device. Definition
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desktop as a service (DaaS)
Desktop as a service (DaaS), also called virtual desktop or hosted desktop, is the outsourcing of a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to a third party service provider. Word
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hot desking
Hot desking is a work space sharing model in which employees outnumber desks. In some such environments, each work station has its own computer and the worker logs into a virtual desktop. In other implementations, workers have notebook computers that... Word
- See More: Definitions on Virtual desktop infrastructure and architecture
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VDI storage tips and tools
In this podcast, TechTarget editor Bridget Botelho and IT expert Todd Knapp discuss the current state of virtual desktop storage tools, why organizations should use them and more. Podcast
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BriForum 2011 Chicago
In this video, Brian Madden and Gabe Knuth run through what's happening at BriForum 2011 this week and discuss some desktop virtualization trends, such as cloud-hosted VDI and client hypervisors. Video
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Citrix Synergy 2011 recap
Citrix Synergy 2011 was a coming-out party for several new desktop virtualization products and features, including a new version of XenClient. Podcast
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What’s hot at BriForum London
In this video, desktop virtualization experts Brian Madden and Gabe Knuth huddle at BriForum London to discuss what they’re amped up about, including technologies from XtremIO and Symantec. Video
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VDI in 2011: Applications, client hypervisors and Windows 7
VDI experts Brian Madden and Gabe Knuth sit with senior site editor Bridget Botelho to discuss hot technologies for 2011, hurdles to desktop virtualization adoption and new trends. Video
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Brian Madden and Gabe Knuth's 2010 year in review
A lot of people predicted that 2010 would be a big year for desktop virtualization. Independent experts Brian Madden and Gabe Knuth review the hits and misses in the year's trends. Video
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Getting started with Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol
Understanding Remote Desktop Protocol is crucial for those looking to virtualize their desktops with Microsoft technologies. Learn the basics in this screencast. Video
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Desktop virtualization decision-making tips
Thinking about desktop virtualization? This podcast on desktop virtualization software and implementation decision-making tips can help you prepare. Podcast
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TechEd attendee considers Microsoft virtual desktop infrastructure
Microsoft virtual desktop infrastructure was of particular interest to TechEd 2009 attendee C.J. Metz, senior systems administrator for Orange County United Way. Video
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Breaking down the VDI disaster recovery process: VHD backup and more
The more virtual desktops you have, the more complicated the VDI disaster recovery process gets. Make sure you back up virtual hard drives often to ease DR for VDI. Tip
-
Top 5 remote desktop connectivity problems and how to prevent them
The remote desktop connection to its host server or broker isn't always a sure thing. If connectivity fails, check the network, firewalls, security certificates and more. Tip
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What Windows 8 on ARM means for tablets and desktops
Details have emerged about Windows 8 running on ARM-based tablets and PCs, but will Microsoft's Windows 8 tablet strategy succeed? Column
-
Defining VDI users: Who should really be using virtual desktops?
To figure out whether your company really needs VDI, break down who your potential VDI users are and what exactly they need. Tip
-
How virtual desktops enhance a virtualization disaster recovery strategy
When disaster strikes a virtual infrastructure, it's a mad dash to get apps back on track. But with virtual desktops in your DR strategy, you won't be out of breath. Tip
-
VMware vSphere Storage Appliance could lower the cost of small VDI
Using the vSphere Storage Appliance with VMware View could help small VDI implementations save money up front and make it easier to grow. Tip
-
Weighing cloud-hosted virtual desktops vs. VDI
IT pros don't trust public cloud services, but the benefits of outsourcing virtualized desktops to a cloud provider may outweigh the risks. Tip
-
Application whitelisting for virtual desktops
Citrix and other virtual desktop vendors now support User Installed Applications. IT can prevent UIA from running amuck using these strategies and application whitelisting tools. Tip
-
VDI storage tips and tools
In this podcast, TechTarget editor Bridget Botelho and IT expert Todd Knapp discuss the current state of virtual desktop storage tools, why organizations should use them and more. Podcast
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The truth about Citrix HDX and WAN acceleration in XenDesktop 5.5
Citrix built WAN acceleration into HDX to improve performance and lower the cost of XenDesktop 5.5. But does this mean VDI shops can eliminate third-party WAN accelerators? Tip
- See More: All on Virtual desktop infrastructure and architecture
About Virtual desktop infrastructure and architecture
Read our news coverage and expert advice about the technologies and business needs to consider for a virtual desktop architecture, and learn about virtual desktop infrastructure products.